As Parliament reconvenes following its summer break, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is calling on the federal government to make workers a priority, citing the rising cost of living, a strained healthcare system, and inadequate support for the workforce.
“Workers are the backbone of this country, they power our economy, and the government has an obligation to invest in programs that support them,” said CLC President Bea Bruske in a statement issued Monday. She emphasized that the upcoming parliamentary session presents a choice: either invest in workers or risk exacerbating the challenges they face.
The CLC is pushing for a fairer tax system where the wealthiest Canadians contribute more, and for measures to ensure housing and groceries remain affordable as inflation continues to affect daily life. With many workers struggling to cover basic necessities, Bruske said government intervention is necessary.
Another key focus for the labour organization is healthcare. The CLC is advocating for significant investment in public healthcare to address what it describes as chronic underfunding, and to counter the growing threat of privatization. Specifically, the CLC is urging the Senate to pass Bill C-64, the long-promised pharmacare legislation, which would provide universal drug coverage.
“Privatization threatens to undermine the universal healthcare that Canadians rely on and will further deepen inequities in access to care,” said Bruske.
The CLC is also calling for reforms to Canada’s Employment Insurance (EI) system, which Bruske described as outdated. The labour group argues that the current EI structure leaves many workers without adequate support when they lose their jobs. In addition to modernizing the EI system, the CLC is demanding enhanced pension programs and a national strategy to expand skills training and upskilling opportunities to help workers adapt to changes in the economy.
“Our EI system is outdated, and too many workers fall through the cracks when they lose their jobs. Now is the time for the government to create a more inclusive and supportive EI program,” said Bruske. “At the same time, we need to invest in training that prepares workers for the future, so no one is left behind as industries evolve.”